With Autism Acceptance Month having just begun, Apple today posted two new videos showing how an autistic teenager called Dillan has, with regular use of his iPad, overcome his communication difficulties.
One video, titled “Dillan’s Voice”, shows Dillan using his tablet in various settings, including his home and school, to more clearly communicate with his family, peers and teachers. This effect, brought about by an augmented and alternative communication app, is called “incredible” by Dillan’s mother.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMN2PeFama0&ebc=ANyPxKoafGRTzKUUsuvKLjdljFFiD7Wl8QFXkiC0RmRZM47t5pEoXyvY4gXn5IkqwSbaOLMHEML51onf2xPDQFr-vNyvV0sw7A
The other video, “Dillan’s Path”, includes interviews in which his mother and communication partner enthuse about how Apple technology has significantly changed the teenager’s life for the better.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTx12y42Xv4&ebc=ANyPxKoafGRTzKUUsuvKLjdljFFiD7Wl8QFXkiC0RmRZM47t5pEoXyvY4gXn5IkqwSbaOLMHEML51onf2xPDQFr-vNyvV0sw7A
On its YouTube channel, to which both videos have been posted, Apple declares: “Autism Acceptance Month is dedicated to the stories of people like Dillan. His words remind us how important it is to ensure everyone with a voice can be heard.”
Apple has also provided a link to a section of its App Store packed with “apps, books, and podcasts supporting autism acceptance”. These materials show how a broad range of Apple devices – including not only the iPad, but also the iPhone, iPod Touch and Mac – can greatly assist autistic users.